Written by Sequoia Loya (Sports Writer) The first coronavirus case was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus continued to spread throughout the world, infecting hundreds of thousands of people. According to ABC News, Vince Carter was planning to retire at the end of the season but with the season canceled due to the virus, this might be the end of his career. Carter announced, “Such a weird night but I am truly thankful for each and every person during this twenty-two year-long journey. If this is really it, I thank everyone for your love and support for all these years.”
ABC News also claims that at least seven NBA players have tested positive for the virus so far such as Rudy Gobert (a Utah Jazz center) which is why the NBA season was canceled. Rudy Gobert says that he lost his sense of smell and taste due to the coronavirus. He also wishes that he would have taken the coronavirus more seriously. USA Today claims that Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz point guard) also tested positive with the coronavirus a day after Rudy Gobert tested positive. ABC NEWS stated that most of the NBA teams had fifteen to twenty games left to play. The season was set up to end around April fifteenth with the playoffs a few days afterward. The NCAA announced that all of the following basketball tournament games would be played without the fans. Deseret News says it is going to be hard to find time for a draft in the NBA due to the coronavirus outbreak going on. Many NBA all-stars had something to say about the current crisis America is dealing with:
“Don’t know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!” -Steph Curry.
Washington Post claims that Lebron James doesn’t want to play without the fans, “I play for the fans; that’s what it’s all about. If I show up to the arena and there ain’t no fans there, I ain’t playing.”
“Basketball becomes secondary. Take care of yourself and your family. Wash your hands often.” – Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“Well, I just hope this will not last long, and I hope everyone stays safe! Take care people, be smart and don’t panic that doesn’t help! See you soon!” – Bogdan Bogdanovic.
NBA news also stated that this pandemic has affected the NBA in a negative way. Marcus Smart (Celtics guard) tested positive. Kevin Durant, a former all-star MVP is among one of the four members on the Brooklyn Nets that has tested positive with the virus. The other three players wish to not have their names announced. The organization is notifying everyone that could have had contact with the players to get tested immediately so that hopefully, they don’t pass it on to others.
“Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” Durant says, he described himself by feeling well. “We’re going to get through this.”
This Coronavirus is affecting all of us. As we all hang tight, sheltering in place, it is important to remember that while we are separated, we are not alone and hopefully NBA basketball starts again soon.
The Claw 